A 93rd-minute goal-line clearance from Federico Chiesa may have saved Liverpool from a damaging home defeat to Sunderland, but it could not mask another deeply concerning performance from the Premier League champions. The 1-1 draw at Anfield leaves Arne Slot's side 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, with their season threatening to unravel.
Anfield Fortress Crumbles
The narrative of a late escape should not distort the reality: this was a stinking display from Liverpool. Whether Wilson Isidor had converted his clear-cut, last-gasp chance for Sunderland or the Reds had snatched a winner themselves, the underlying sentiment would be unchanged. This is a team appearing to sleepwalk towards a write-off of a league campaign.
While they take superficial solace from being only two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, their form over the last month suggests they are not currently good enough for a Champions League place. The faith that things will 'click' persists, but the present evidence points to a side in decline, with a head coach seemingly bereft of solutions.
Slot's Magic Touch Fades
The central issue is that Arne Slot no longer appears to have the Midas touch. His constant tinkering with personnel, shape, and his attacking focal point is yielding no positive returns. This is despite a squad containing a £125m striker, a £116m number ten, Europe's best defender, and one of the era's great attackers. They currently resemble a rabble, with moments of magic feeling more like flukes than crafted rewards.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris delivered a damning assessment, stating his team were 'surprised to have time and space to play' at Anfield. Slot himself admitted the worrying new reality: 'It is clear that teams who play us now think they can get a result... That has been shown this season.'
The statistics are stark. In their last three home games, Liverpool have lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest, 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven, and now drawn with Sunderland. They have already dropped eight points at Anfield this term, compared to 11 in the whole of last season.
Confidence Crisis and Leeds Test
A palpable confidence crisis is evident. Liverpool are yet to come from behind to win in any of the seven games they have trailed in this campaign. This fragility is giving every opponent belief, reminiscent of the records that tumbled weekly during David Moyes' tenure at Manchester United.
The situation now invites every opponent, like Australia against Brendon McCullum's England cricket team, to smell blood. Next is a trip to a resurgent Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. After beating Chelsea and pushing Manchester City close, Daniel Farke's side will undoubtedly fancy their chances against the faltering champions. As it stands, everyone does.
